A classification of open bites

Some anterior open bites tend to close spontaneously whereas others do not. This difference in behaviour and prognosis depends upon the cause of the open bite. It follows that the most clinically useful classification of open bites should be based on aetiology. Against the background of previous cephalometric studies, a classification of open bites is proposed. This aetiology-related scheme owes its originality to the recognition of local and general pathology and to a growth-related subdivision of the non-pathological skeletal types seen in everyday orthodontic practice.